Many people were devastated to learn that Kobe and his daughter Gianna Bryant had suddenly died on Jan. 26. The two had been flying on a helicopter with seven others when the chopper crashed into the side of a mountain and exploded into a ball of flames — killing everyone on board.
Everyone from Shaquille O’Neal to former President Barack Obama mourned their deaths on social media. But Vanessa Bryant stayed silent online.
On Jan. 29, however, Bryant emerged and posted a note on Instagram about the tragedy and how it’s affected her. She admitted that she is “completely devastated” and said that “there are no words” to describe her pain.
A quick recap of the accident that killed Kobe and Gianna Bryant
On Sunday, Jan. 26, Kobe and Gianna left their home in Orange County and headed to Thousand Oaks, California for a basketball game — where Gianna, 13, was expected to play and Kobe, 41, was supposed to coach.
The other passengers included basketball coach Christina Mauser, pilot Ara Zobayan, mother-and-daughter Sarah and Payton Chester, baseball coach John Altobelli, his daughter Alyssa Altobelli and wife Keri Altobelli.
According to multiple reports, their helicopter took off right after 9 a.m. PT. Shortly after it departed, it encountered “weather issues.” The pilot had allegedly been trying to clear a cloud layer when the chopper crashed into a hillside and burst into flames.
As of writing, the exact cause of the accident is unclear. Law enforcement officials are currently investigating.
Vanessa Bryant opened up on Instagram about the loss of Kobe Bryant and their daughter Gianna
Bryant started by thanking the “millions of people” who showed their support and sent their condolences during what she called a “horrific time.”
“There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now,” she continued in the post, which contained a family portrait. “We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.”
Though her heart is completely broken, Bryant said she finds solace in knowing how much Kobe and Gianna were loved.
“We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives,” she added. “I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.”
“I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way,” Bryant went on. “Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever.”
Bryant and Kobe met in 1999 when she was just 18 years old. Six months later, the NBA star proposed — and the two married in 2001.
In 2019, they celebrated 20 years together. Kobe rang in the moment by sharing a loving tribute to Bryant on Instagram, in which he called her his “best friend.”
Vanessa Bryant also talked about the other victims
Bryant also expressed her sadness about the other victims and their families, saying: “We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.”
She ended the post by asking for privacy as she tries to move past the tragedy and announced a fundraiser that aims to help those affected by the crash.
“Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me,” she concluded.
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